Welcome to the DAV Website
The DAV is a non-profit association which exists to promote debate. It
is the peak debating body in Victoria and runs large competitions for
adults and for schools across Victoria. It provides training and
resources for debaters, teachers and adjudicators.

Primary School Training Days

The DAV provides accredited trainers to run an introductory workshop day internally at your school. This fun and engaging session is the perfect introduction to the Australasian style of debating, in which two teams of three debate on a set topic. Our in-house training sessions provide both you and your students with a firm grounding in the rules and stretegies of a debate, which can then be put into practice at one of our many Regional Debating Days across the state.

The interactive seminar includes:

Discussions on persuasion

An explanation of the rules and structure of debates

Rebuttal strategies and activities

Methods for debate preparation

Tips for presenting to an audience

The program typically runs across 3 hours (including a recess break) and can be tailored to your school’s timetable. The workshops can involve a single class or entire year levels and can cater to years 3 and 4 or years 5 and 6, depending on your needs. If you would prefer to split the training across multiple sessions, or run a longer training program, this can be arranged.

To book a workshop please fill out this form and select "Primary School Workshop".

The cost per trainer is $160. We recommend having groups of no more than 20-25 students per trainer.

For more information, or to add your school to our mailing list, please contact Isabella Kruzas .